The activity and number of workers are decreasing as the queen lays less workers every day and more workers die off. The nectar flow in our coastal plain is nearly non existent. Hot humid weather with often dry conditions is upon us. Colonies are no longer building out foundation to store nectar...because there is little available.

There may be swarms generated depending upon conditions in the hive. Those conditions will vary from colony to colony and are dependent upon queen health, parasite pressure, weather, and other environment conditions that impact the colony. Nearly all colonies are in an inactive mode.

As the colony size slowly reduces the number of Varroa Mite increase. This will put the colony at risk of serious virus due to the stress of both the weather, food and parasite conditions. Beekeepers use a variety of control methods to keep Varroa Mite populations under control including Oxalic Acid treatments (one every 7 days for 21 days) or other select approved treatment methods. In addition there will be a need to control Small Hive Beetle populations especially in the weaker colonies.

Remember although the Western Honey Bee is our primary pollinator there are other insects and animals that assist in pollinating. A large variety of pollinators will be present...bumblebees, flies, hummingbirds, butterflies along with other insects along with animals all competing with honeybees for nectar and pollen.

If you planted annuals to help supply food for our pollinators...

Thank you

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